Mousepads, Shoe Leather, and Hope by Zephyr Teachout and Thomas Streeter

Through a collection of personal accounts Zephyr Teachout and Thomas Streeter give one account of the changing structure of Democratic campaign politics as evidenced through Howard Dean's presidential campaign. With each personal story the reader gains insight into the power of the internet as both an organizing and fundraising tool. The book is a must read for anyone whose worked in Democratic politics or has aspirations to do so.

While the book touches upon many of the exciting and dynamic potentials of harnessing the power and opportunity of the internet and it's use in democratic politics, it also leaves the reader questioning.

While Streeter and Teachout clearly embrace the model of campaign employed by the Dean dreamers, the harsh reality is that Dean's campaign succumbed to one of a different nature, one they would undoubtedly label as establishment prone.

While there's no doubt Dean's campaign changed future approaches to Democratic campaigns, much is still to be proven. We've yet to see a campaign won on the preachings of people like Streeter and Teachout and until that happens Internet strategy will be just another conk in the party establishment's approach to campaigning, and in fact, this may be it's ultimate home. What remains to be seen is if this conk is consumed by the said establishment or proves more resilient of previously lauded campaign strategies. The conk is certainly in a state of impressive growth and influence.

In the end, Teachout, Streeter and the gang complain about the same things other campaign strategists do, such as treatment by the mainstream media and timing of high level endorsements, and of course the power of on the ground organizing. If the games is to change it still remains to be seen.